tarsus
Quick Summary
The tarsus refers to the bones that form the ankle and heel in humans. These bones, along with the metatarsals, create an arch in the foot that is crucial for weight-bearing and bipedal movement.1
In humans, there are seven tarsal bones. The talus connects to the lower leg bones, forming the ankle joint. The calcaneus, or heel bone, is the largest tarsal. The remaining tarsals include the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones, which connect to the metatarsals.1
In animals that walk on their toes or hooves, the tarsal bones are located in the hock and are lifted off the ground. These bones are analogous to the carpal bones found in the upper limb. The tarsus is the distal segment of the hind limb in vertebrates.12
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